SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

Time to make those wrestler poses on Wii.

Last year's SmackDown vs. Raw for Wii had us waggling like wrestlers with Tourette's. While fun, the options were, well, a little lacking. And by a little, we mean a lot. A whole lot. Luckily, this year THQ isn't going to get pinned for the same problems. WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will have the same arcade-style play, only now with 100% more modes -- expect almost everything from the core versions (XB360/PS3) to appear in the game (create-a-wrestler, ladder/cage/Hell in the Cell/ matches, etc.).

The coolest feature, however, is the ability to perform the Superstar's signature taunts and poses during the entrances. So while you're going to the ring as Jeff Hardy, you can wail your arms left and right like your drug-dependent idol. Silly, yes, but it's really fun to imitate your favorite wrestler's wacky poses. Hell, wrestling fans do these without the justification of playing a videogame, so actually including these actions in the games makes it that much cooler. Showboating isn't just for the entrances, either. After winning your match, you have option to gloat over your victory, shake your opponents hand (classy), or fake a handshake with an out-of-the-blue clothesline (totally not classy). It's these little touches that make the Wii version of SmackDown standout from its counterparts.

Other than these much-needed tweaks (including the ability to play matches online for the first time), not much else has changed. But we're cool with that. The most important thing is that this year's version will actually have the content wrestling buffs expect from the SmackDown series.